Cards add three spring invites

RP Maekawa stuck in Japan

(3/3/08)The Sports Xchange reports Nationals P Katsuhiko Maekawa, who signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, had his visa request denied and remains in Japan. The reliever has been dealing with legal troubles stemming from a hit-and-run accident several years ago, and Nationals officials believe that has played a role in the delay in his arrival in the United States.

Maekawa contends for bullpen spot

(2/15/08) According to The Sports Xchange, LHP Katsuhiko Maekawa, who signed a minor league contract with the Nationals, will have an outside shot at making the club's Opening Day roster. Maekawa was given an invitation to big-league camp this spring, but the 29-year-old will have to show improvement. His last full season in Japan was 2006, when he went 1-7 with a 5.26 ERA for Orix. He then missed 2007 while battling legal problems stemming from a hit-and-run accident in Japan.